Get up to speed with what’s happening at SG’s top international schools with our school news updates!

One school introduces therapy dogs and horses for emotional support, another has launched a Centenary Music Scholarship for young aspiring musicians, plus there are new bilingual programmes and student counselling centres to name just some of the new developments you’ll find in our October International school news update. Several schools are also hosting Open House events if you’d like a closer look! Keep scrolling for all the deets.

Read more: Guide to International Schools in Singapore

Chatsworth International School

News: Keeping Safe: Child Protection curriculum, campus development & excellent IB results
The safety and well-being of the staff and students have always been a top priority at Chatsworth International School. It was one of the first schools in Singapore to join the Child Safeguarding organisation, which offers child protection and safeguarding training for all non-academic staff on campus, as well as one of the first schools to have staff trained to offer the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC), where students learn about their rights and how to protect themselves. Over the summer, Chatsworth upgraded and enhanced their learning spaces, outdoor facade, canteen, toilets, and other amenities including putting in astro-turf on the sheltered amphitheatre. As a testament to its holistic curriculum and approach, the Class of 2023 has achieved outstanding results in their IB Diploma examinations with a top score of 44 points and school average of 36 points (which it has maintained from 2019 to 2021), well above the worldwide average of 30.24. The school average in 2022 was 39 points. 27% of their graduating cohort sat for the prestigious Bilingual Diploma with a 100% pass rate.

Chatsworth International School, 72 Bukit Tinggi Rd, Singapore 289760, Tel: (+65) 6463 3201, www.chatsworth.com.sg

Tanglin Trust School

News: Tanglin Trust School launches new Centenary Music Scholarship
Not-for-profit Tanglin Trust School has offered a British-based education to Singapore’s international community for over 95 years. As it approaches its centenary year, Tanglin will celebrate this occasion by offering its first-ever scholarship programme. The Tanglin Centenary Music Scholarship will enable young musicians to further hone their talent and reach new musical highs. Open to students entering Senior School (August 2024), the scholarship will offer a combination of financial support, along with an enhanced musical studies programme. Potential scholars will be able to showcase their passion for music inside and outside the studio and performance hall. Whether it’s performing as a soloist or an ensemble player, encouraging attendance at various concerts throughout the year or inspiring students to learn a new instrument, the Tanglin Centenary Music Scholarship will help aspiring musicians achieve their goals. Applications close on 15 February 2024, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an audition. Good luck!

Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, Tel: (+65) 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg

International Community School (Singapore) (ICS)

News: ICS’ 30th Anniversary, virtual Open Houses, carnival, top-tier MAPs & AP results
Since it opened its doors in 1993, ICS has consistently delivered excellence in international education and has a commitment to nurturing well-rounded future-ready leaders who excel academically and personally. ICS takes pride in their holistic education and provides personalised learning experiences through small classes. The American curriculum is grounded in the biblical worldview, which helps to foster a close-knit community with students from over 30 different nationalities. Their top-tier Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores and AP results demonstrate their students’ exceptional performance, which surpasses both East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and global averages in Math, Reading, Language Usage and Science. 28 out of 31 grade-level average scores in these subjects outperform both EARCOS and Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) standards. High school students achieved an average score of 4 out of 5, resulting in 14 AP Scholars with Distinction consistently outperforming global averages. Experience their welcoming community at their 30th Anniversary School Carnival (4 November 2023, 10am – 4pm), email [email protected] to sign up for a fun day filled with games, lucky draws, prizes and international food. Plus, don’t miss their upcoming Virtual Open House on ‘Choosing the Best International School for Your Child’ (26 October 2023, 10:30am, click here to register.)

Enjoy $500 off enrolment fees when you sign up for the next ICS Virtual Open House for a live campus tour. Book your spot now!

International Community School, 27A Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575, Tel: (+65) 6776 7435, www.ics.edu.sg

Astor International School

News: Special Year 1 Class with January intake is now open! 
Astor International School provides a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning for children aged 5 to 12 years old and aims to provide quality, affordable education in a nurturing environment that develops life-long learners with a passion for knowledge. Astor offers a curriculum that’s based on the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), British English and Singapore Math. They have opened a special Year 1 Class with January intake for those who will be graduating from a local K2 in December. Though the students will only be in Year 1 for half a year, this class will equip the students with everything they need to know for a smooth transition to Year 2 in August 2024. Their enriching environment, experienced faculty and innovative teaching methods bring out the best in every child to help them reach their greatest potential. Limited seats are available, so act quickly to secure a spot for your child in this Year 1 Class for an extraordinary learning journey at Astor International School.

Use promo code SASSYMAMAASTOR1700 to get a full admission fee waiver (savings of $1700) when you enrol your child for this special Year 1 class. Valid until 31 March 2024. Not stackable with other promotions. T&Cs apply.

Astor International School, 1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02, Singapore 248922, Tel: (+65) 6974 5700, www.astor.edu.sg

Australian International School

News: 30th Anniversary celebrations, outstanding results, and monthly Open Houses
The Australian International School recently turned 30 and celebrated this milestone with a variety of exciting events for the whole family to enjoy from an evening picnic to a Fish & Chips night. The grand finale for the celebration was the Anniversary Ball at the Shangri-La, where guests enjoyed music, cake and gifts. Additionally, the school organised a charitable auction and raised funds for the Children’s Aid Society. While AIS Secondary students are gearing up for their International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, the school proudly reflects on its students’ outstanding achievements in 2022. Impressively, the average score was 34.7 as compared to a world average of 30.91, 21% of students achieved scores of 40 or higher and 30 students received bilingual diplomas. The school’s unwavering commitment to a comprehensive and well-rounded education, which values the arts and sports alongside academics, continues to be at the heart of each student’s development. Learn more at AIS’ monthly Open House events, where you’ll get to see the classrooms in action, learn about the different learning pathways and meet the leadership team.

Redeem a FREE goodie bag when you attend an on-campus Open House!

 Australian International School, 1 Lorong Chuan Singapore 556 818, Tel: 6517 0247, www.ais.com.sg

Canadian International School (CIS)

News: New Kindergarten Principal + CIS Discovery Day on 10 November
Canadian International School (CIS) welcomes their newly appointed Kindergarten Principal, Angela Speirs. Angela has almost three decades of experience in early years education and has served as both a teacher and a principal in countries around the globe. She is passionate about educating and empowering young learners so that they are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. CIS’ balanced and holistic ethos creates an environment for happy, engaged young learners where children learn to think critically and grow in confidence and resilience. CIS recently opened a purpose-built Kindergarten wing with natural light-filled classrooms and a spacious Outdoor Discovery Centre right on its doorstep. The vibrant learning pods, instructional kitchen, junior library, two new swimming pools, competition-sized gymnasium and Black Box theatre are designed to support CIS’ inquiry-based approach. In January, CIS will be opening additional Kindergarten and primary classes, so more students can blossom at their thriving campus. Learn more at their CIS Kindergarten Discovery Day (10 November 2023, 9am – 10am, click here to register) and hear from Angela and her team as your kids engage in teacher-led activities in numeracy, literacy, arts and STEAM.

Canadian International School, Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, Tel: (+65) 6467 1732, www.cis.edu.sg

EtonHouse International School

News: EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion Programme
For parents seeking to provide their children with a robust Mandarin foundation, the newly launched EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion Programme is for you. This highly acclaimed Mandarin programme is now available at the EtonHouse Pre-school in Upper Bukit Timah for children from Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten 2. The curriculum is inquiry-based and delivered entirely in Mandarin, so children will be fully immersed in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin. Their approach which includes cultural immersion experiences like Chinese opera and calligraphy not only makes learning fun and meaningful but also creates an exclusive Mandarin-speaking environment, which might be lacking at home. Little ones will also have a 45-minute English Phonics class weekly (Pre-Nursery to Nursery 2) and a daily 1-hour English class (Kindergarten) to provide a seamless transition into Primary School, where English is primary language of instruction. There’s also a Mandarin-English bilingual programme available. For Primary students who will be transitioning to EtonHouse International School, the Bilingual Immersion Programme at its Broadrick campus is designed to nurture fully bilingual, culturally aware and globally-minded students by Year 6, so they can further pursue Mandarin as a subject in the IGCSE and International A-Levels at EtonHouse Orchard.

Founding families of the EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion Programme will enjoy additional discounts on the first-year school fees.

EtonHouse International School, 14 campuses islandwide, www.etonhouse.edu.sg

GESS – International School

News: Student Wellbeing Centre, Outdoor Learning Forest and Future Pathways
Not-for-profit GESS believes that education goes beyond conventional academic excellence, so it embraces a 360-degree approach, providing students with a personalised holistic education for both academic and personal excellence. Their well-rounded education empowers students to develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork, which will shape them into confident global citizens. To ensure the well-being of each student, they have adopted best practices from the International School Counselling Association and created a new Student Wellbeing Centre. To give students more opportunities to hone their talent outside of academics, they have a newly launched creative arts programme, plus elevated their sports programmes and strengthened local community relations for volunteer opportunities. They have also made massive enhancements to their campus, including an arts studio and an outdoor learning forest, where students can safely explore and grow an appreciation of nature. Their holistic, concept-based curriculum also provides students with learning opportunities through internships for real-life exposure and industry experience.

GESS – International School, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621, Tel: (+65) 6461 0881, www.gess.edu.sg

Global Indian International School (GIIS)

News: New IB Diploma Programme + outstanding IB Diploma results 
GIIS has newly launched the highly sought-after IB Diploma Programme at their East Coast Campus in August 2023. The IBDP is a pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19 (Grades 11 to 12), and admission is now open. GIIS has offered the IB Diploma at various campuses in Singapore for over 15 years and their students have consistently performed well in their IBDP exams with over 100+ IBDP World-toppers and near-perfect scorers to date. These excellent results are a testament to the strength of the well-rounded education students receive at GIIS, which helps students aged 2.5 to 19 years old develop key 21st century skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, creativity, digital competence and more. The 2023 IBDP cohort at GIIS achieved a school average of 35.9 points, which surpasses the global average DP score of 30.24 points. 38 GIIS students achieved scores above 40 points, which showcases their commitment to academic excellence. Two students distinguished themselves by achieving a perfect score of 45 out of 45, while five students from the cohort obtained near-perfect scores of 44. If you’re looking for a school that empowers students to achieve academic excellence and more, do check out GIIS.

Global Indian International School,
SMART campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649, Tel: (+65) 6914  7100
GIIS East Coast campus: 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663, Tel: (+65) 6914 7000
singapore.globalindianschool.org

Holland International School

News: Open Morning, Healthy Habits Week, and Sinterklaas Celebration
Holland International School features an English and Dutch bilingual curriculum that nurtures independent thinkers through play-based learning. Students aged 18 months to 12 years learn in a playful, cooperative way that prepares them to be global citizens of the future. This Dutch-rooted approach taps into kids’ naturally inquisitive minds and gives them the freedom to learn by doing. You’re invited to their Open Morning (October 5, 2023, 9am – 11am, register here), where you can tour the school, ask questions and meet their passionate team of educators. In November, they will host a Healthy Habits Week and Sports Day to teach kids all about how to keep their bodies healthy and give them tools to improve mental health while Sports Day will promote a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise. To support the IPC Sustainable Development Goals, there will be a Sustainability Workshop by Melati Wijsen from Youthopia, where students will learn about ways to improve sustainability. Students are looking forward to Deepavali celebrations and in December, learning about Dutch traditions, at the Sinterklaas Celebration where they will receive presents and bake their own ‘pepernoten’ in the school’s kitchen.

 Holland International School, 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289757, Tel: (+65) 6466 0662, www.hollandinternationalschool.sg

International French School (IFS)

News: Record-breaking enrolment + new counselling centre
International French School starts off this academic year 2023-2024 with an impressive enrollment of over 2,930 students ranging from ages 2 to 18 years old. This robust student body of enthusiastic learners comprises 450 new students from around the globe, who will bring their unique perspectives and experiences that will enrich the IFS learning environment and foster a truly international atmosphere. This diverse student population represents a vibrant international community that reflects the school’s commitment to global education. IFS is proud to offer holistic learning and state-of-the-art facilities which include a new IFS Counselling Centre. This new dedicated and personalised resource is designed to nurture the secondary students’ social, emotional and mental well-being. Committed to providing a confidential and collaborative environment, this Counselling Centre will become an essential pillar in the school community.

International French School, 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928, Tel: (+65) 6805 0000, www.ifs.edu.sg

Middleton International School

News: Middleton Intensive English Programme (MIEP) at its West Coast campus
To help students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, Middleton International School has recently launched the Middleton Intensive English Programme (MIEP) at its West Coast campus. Designed for students aged 10 to 13 (Grades 4 to 7) who do not initially meet mainstream English language requirements, MIEP will swiftly enhance their English skills and give them access to the international curricula upon completion. This programme lays the foundation of the English language with an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing, but also incorporates Math, Art and Physical Education for a holistic learning experience. The programme is tailored to each child’s interests and abilities to boost their confidence and competence. Students can choose one teacher-led extracurricular activity per semester to explore new interests and develop important values like teamwork and sportsmanship. They will also have access to pastoral support and a mindfulness and well-being programme. At the end of the semester, students will take assessments to gauge their progress and determine if they have reached the English proficiency level to transition to a mainstream international school curriculum. This will ensure a smooth and seamless transition and sets them up for success in the IGCSE and International A-Levels.

Founding families for the Middleton Intensive English Programme at the Middleton West Coast campus will enjoy additional discounts off the first two-semester school fees.
Middleton International School West Coast Campus, 20 Harbour Drive, Singapore 117612, Tel: (+65) 6916 0740, www.middleton.edu.sg

Nexus International School (Singapore)

News: Green Initiatives, Wellness Centre, Therapy dogs, Klim Swim Clinic by Olympic Champions
Over the past year, Nexus International School has taken strides towards sustainability. From adding recycling bins around the campus to reviving its garden, adding more hydroponic farms and installing new solar panels, Nexus is reducing its carbon footprint and teaching students how to become greener global citizens. They are also expanding the Care Movement, an initiative that encourages students to Care for Self, Care for Others and Care for World. Nexus has worked on establishing a network of learner ambassadors who are trained in mental health and first aid to provide peer-to-peer support. They recently renovated their counselling office and are increasing initiatives to support learner wellbeing including which includes therapy dogs and horses for emotional support. There are new opportunities for students to take up leadership roles in sports, arts, sustainability and curriculum development, all of which nurture future-ready skills so that they can become positive world-changers. Plus Nexus’ elite swim squads recently had the incredible opportunity of gaining valuable insight and personalised feedback from Olympic champions Michael Kim and Geoff Huegill at the Klim Swim Freestyle Technique and Sprint Clinic!

Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, Tel: (+65) 6536 6566, www.nexus.edu.sg

St. Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School

News: Applications for the new Bilingual Programme now open!
If you haven’t heard, St. Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School will be launching its brand new Bilingual Programme in 2024, which enables students to become proficient in both English and Chinese. Designed for native and non-native speakers, this programme follows a ten-day teaching cycle, dividing the language of instruction by subject area and time. Alternating language instruction ensures equal commitment to English and Chinese, so you can rest assured that your child will be equally proficient in both. Not only will students develop bilingual proficiency, but they will also learn intercultural competence, as they adopt critical thinking and analytical skills when they are exposed to a wide range of ideas and cultural perspectives. Nurturing their creativity and cognitive flexibility at a young age sets the foundation for them to be well-prepared for their future as global citizens. To learn more about their new Bilingual Programme and how your child can thrive here, register for one of their upcoming information sessions here or contact the Admissions Team at [email protected].

St. Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, www.sji-international.com.sg

St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool

News: SJI International Preschool opens new campus at Holland Village
Known for its excellence in character education and rich heritage, St. Joseph’s Institution International is now extending its educational offering to nurture young minds through its new preschool set in the lush surroundings of Holland Village. The experienced team of Early Learning Educators empower little ones to become confident, compassionate and resilient individuals through a combination of hands-on activities, exploration, imaginative play and structured activities. Their holistic approach to early childhood education creates a warm and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and offers a safe space for children to develop their unique talents and abilities. To experience their vibrant campus and welcoming community firsthand, register for their upcoming Open House events (28 October 2023 and 4 November 2023) to discover how their unique curriculum can help your little one develop a love for learning.

St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool, 49B Holland Road Singapore 258851, [email protected], www.sji-internationalpreschool.com.sg

Swiss School in Singapore

News: Holistic bilingual curriculum & wide range of extra-curricular activities 
Looking for a green learning oasis where little ones can get up close to nature? Swiss School in Singapore is a non-profit boutique and family-oriented school that provides a holistic education for students based on the Swiss curriculum and values. The passionate teachers strive to create an environment where students feel inspired to achieve their full potential and are empowered to become positive change-makers in the world. For little ones aged 2 to 4 years old, classes are taught in English with introductory lessons in German or French, while primary school students aged four and up are primarily taught in German or French with supplementary English classes. They can choose from a German or French stream, depending on their goals. The curriculum follows the curricula of the Cantons of Zug and Valais, both curricula based on the harmonised Swiss curricula ‘Lehrplan (German Stream) and ‘Plan d’études romand’ (PER / French Stream). They offer full-day classes for preschool students in German or French, while Kindergarten students can choose from German, French or English. For a holistic education, students can choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as football, coding, ballet, hockey, mindfulness, taekwondo, Chinese and more.

Swiss School in Singapore, 38 Swiss Club Road, 288140 Singapore, Tel: (+65) 6468 2117, swiss-school.edu.sg

Westbourne College

News: First cohort of IB Diploma students & launch of IGCSE & EAL programme
Westbourne College is an IB, co-educational senior school (sixth form), which offers 1 and 2-year IGCSEs. The school has successfully opened with its first cohort of IB Diploma students in August and have also launched their 1 and 2-year IGSCEs to help students prepare for success in the IB Diploma, including an English as a Second Language (EAL) course for non-native English speakers. Westbourne College UK and AUS are part of the top-ranking UK/AUS IB schools, which proudly have a top 1% global IB results record and a 90% entry to Russell Group universities. Westbourne College in Sydney is the first in Australia with students who scored 44+ IB points. The IB curriculum at Westbourne College is designed to prepare students for life beyond the four walls of the classroom by giving them opportunities to hone tangible and practical skills. Through future-focused STEM and business-centric curriculum, small classes, a personalised education and a global community, students graduate from this college empowered to succeed in their future careers.

Westbourne College, 491 River Valley Road, #16/03 Singapore 248371, Tel: (+65) 6235 1538, westbournecollege.com.sg